Small cell radio and antenna module

ABSTRACT

An antenna module includes: an antenna-radio unit comprising an antenna and a radio transceiver in an integrated unit; a foundation plate configured for mounting to a monopole; a bottom plate mounted above the foundation plate to form a first air gap; a support member that extends upwardly from the bottom plate, the antenna-radio unit mounted to the support member; an upper plate mounted to an upper end of the support member; a fan unit mounted to the upper plate; a lower cap mounted above the upper plate; an upper cap mounted above the lower cap to form a second air gap; and a shroud that surrounds and conceals the antenna-radio unit and the support member.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority from and the benefit of U.S.Provisional Patent Application Nos. 63/008,408, filed Apr. 10, 2020, and63/069,781, filed Aug. 25, 2020, each of which is hereby incorporatedherein by reference in full.

FIELD

The present invention is directed generally toward communicationantennas, and more particularly to mounting structures forcommunications antennas.

BACKGROUND

As wireless data service demands have grown, a conventional response hasbeen to increase the number and capacity of conventional cellular BaseStations (Macro-Cells). The antennas used by such Macro-Cells aretypically mounted on antenna towers. A conventional antenna tower hasthree or four legs on which antennas and supporting remote radio units(RRUs) are mounted. However, in some environments structures known as“monopoles” are used as mounting structures. Monopoles are typicallyemployed when fewer antennas/RRUs are to be mounted, and/or when astructure of less height is required.

In addition, Macro-Cell sites are becoming less available, and availablespectrum limits how much additional capacity can be derived from a givenMacro-Cell. Accordingly, small cell RRU and antenna combinations havebeen developed to “fill in” underserved or congested areas that wouldotherwise be within a Macro-Cell site. Deployment of small cells,particularly in urban environments, is expected to continue to grow.Often such small cell configurations (sometimes termed “metrocells”) aremounted on monopoles.

In view of the foregoing, it may be desirable to provide additionalmonopole arrangements for either Macro-cell or metrocell sites.

SUMMARY

A first aspect of the present invention is directed to an antennamodule. The antenna module includes an antenna-radio unit comprising anantenna and a radio transceiver in an integrated unit, a foundationplate configured for mounting to a monopole, a bottom plate mountedabove the foundation plate to form a first air gap, a support memberthat extends upwardly from the bottom plate, the antenna-radio unitmounted to the support member, an upper plate mounted to an upper end ofthe support member, a fan unit mounted to the upper plate, a lower capmounted above the upper plate, an upper cap mounted above the lower capto form a second air gap, and a shroud that surrounds and conceals theantenna-radio unit and the support member.

Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a monopoleassembly. The monopole assembly includes an elongate monopole and anantenna module. The antenna module includes an antenna-radio unitcomprising an antenna and a first radio transceiver in an integratedunit, a foundation plate configured for mounting to the monopole, abottom plate mounted above the foundation plate to form a first air gap,a support member that extends upwardly from the bottom plate, theantenna-radio unit mounted to the support member, an upper plate mountedto an upper end of the support member, a fan unit mounted to the upperplate, a lower cap mounted above the upper plate, an upper cap mountedabove the lower cap to form a second air gap, and a shroud thatsurrounds and conceals the antenna-radio unit and the support member,and a second radio transceiver mounted outside of the module andconnected to the antenna.

Another aspect of the present invention is direct to an antenna module.The antenna module includes three antenna-radio units each comprising anantenna and a radio transceiver in an integrated unit, a foundationplate configured for mounting to a monopole, a bottom plate mountedabove the foundation plate to form a first air gap, a support memberthat extends upwardly from the bottom plate, the antenna-radio unitsmounted to the support member, an upper plate mounted to an upper end ofthe support member, a fan unit mounted to the upper plate, a lower capmounted above the upper plate, an upper cap mounted above the lower capto form a second air gap, and three shroud members that togethersurround and conceal the antenna-radio units and the support member,wherein, when together, the shroud members are hexagonal.

Another aspect of the present invention is directed to an antennamodule. The antenna module includes three antenna-radio units eachcomprising an antenna and a radio transceiver in an integrated unit, afoundation plate configured for mounting to a monopole, a bottom platemounted above the foundation plate to form a first air gap, a supportmember that extends upwardly from the bottom plate, the antenna-radiounits mounted to the support member, an upper plate mounted to an upperend of the support member, a fan unit mounted to the upper plate, alower cap mounted above the upper plate, an upper cap mounted above thelower cap to form a second air gap, and a hexagonal shroud member thatsurrounds and conceals the antenna-radio units and the support member,wherein the shroud member includes three cut-out portions, each cut-outportion corresponding to a respective antenna-radio unit and isconfigured such that at least a portion of the antenna-radio unitextends through the cut-out portion.

It is noted that aspects of the invention described with respect to oneembodiment, may be incorporated in a different embodiment although notspecifically described relative thereto. That is, all embodiments and/orfeatures of any embodiment can be combined in any way and/orcombination. Applicant reserves the right to change any originally filedclaim and/or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to beable to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and/orincorporate any feature of any other claim or claims although notoriginally claimed in that manner. These and other objects and/oraspects of the present invention are explained in detail in thespecification set forth below. Further features, advantages and detailsof the present invention will be appreciated by those of ordinary skillin the art from a reading of the figures and the detailed description ofthe preferred embodiments that follow, such description being merelyillustrative of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a front view of a typical monopole on which an antenna moduleaccording to embodiments of the invention may be mounted.

FIG. 2 is a front view of an antenna module according to embodiments ofthe invention.

FIG. 3 is a front section view of the antenna module of FIG. 2 .

FIG. 4 is a front perspective cutaway view of the antenna module of FIG.2 .

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the antenna module of FIG. 2 .

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the antenna module of FIG. 2 .

FIG. 7 is a side view of the antenna module of FIG. 2 with the shroudremoved.

FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of the structural components of theantenna module of FIG. 2 .

FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of the foundation plate, bottom plateand support pole of the antenna module of FIG. 2 .

FIG. 10 is a front view of an antenna module according to additionalembodiments of the invention.

FIG. 11 is a front section view of the antenna module of FIG. 10 .

FIG. 12 is a front perspective cutaway view of the antenna module ofFIG. 10 .

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the antenna module of FIG. 10 .

FIG. 14 is a bottom view of the antenna module of FIG. 10 .

FIG. 15A is a perspective view of an alternative antenna moduleaccording to embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 15B is a side view of the antenna module of FIG. 15A.

FIG. 15C is a top view of the antenna module of FIG. 15A.

FIG. 15D is a bottom view of the antenna module of FIG. 15A.

FIG. 15E is an exploded view of the antenna module of FIG. 15A.

FIG. 16A is a perspective view of another exemplary mount that may beused with the antenna module of FIG. 15A.

FIG. 16B is a side view of the mount of FIG. 16A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter, inwhich embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may,however, be embodied in different forms and should not be construed aslimited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodimentsare provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, andwill fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in theart. In the drawings, like numbers refer to like elements throughout.Thicknesses and dimensions of some components may be exaggerated forclarity.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientificterms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by oneof ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will befurther understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly useddictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that isconsistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art andwill not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unlessexpressly so defined herein.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. Asused herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify thepresence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements,and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of oneor more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements,components, and/or groups thereof. As used herein the expression“and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of theassociated listed items.

In addition, spatially relative terms, such as “under”, “below”,“lower”, “over”, “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease ofdescription to describe one element or feature's relationship to anotherelement(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will beunderstood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompassdifferent orientations of the device in use or operation in addition tothe orientation depicted in the figures. The device may be otherwiseoriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatiallyrelative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

Well-known functions or constructions may not be described in detail forbrevity and/or clarity.

Referring now to the drawings, a telecommunications monopole designatedat 100 is shown in FIG. 1 . As can be seen in FIG. 1 , the monopole 100,which is sized as a “metrocell” having a diameter of between about 8 to20 inches and a height of between about 20 and 40 feet, is styled as astreetlight, with an arm 102 that mounts a luminaire 104 (such as an LEDstreetlight). The monopole 100 includes a radio module 106 and anantenna module 108. Monopoles of many varieties are known and arediscussed in, for example, U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 2018/0254545;2020/0136236; and 2020/0388907, the disclosures of each of which areincorporated herein by reference in full.

An antenna module for mounting on a monopole, designated broadly at 110,is shown in FIGS. 2-9 . The antenna module 110 includes a foundationplate 112 and a bottom plate 114 that is separated from the foundationplate 112 by spacers 116 to form a gap 115. The foundation plate 112includes discontinuous arcuate slots 118 in the form of a circle (FIG. 6) for mounting atop the monopole 100, and a central hole 120. The bottomplate 114 has an arcuate slot 122 positioned generally above the centralhole 120 of the foundation plate 112. A fan controller 124 (e.g., atemperature sensor) is mounted to the bottom plate 114.

A support pole 130 or other support member is mounted to the uppersurface of the bottom plate 114 and extends upwardly therefrom (seeFIGS. 7-9 ). The support pole 130 is mounted off-center on the bottomplate 114, somewhat opposite the slot 122. The support pole 130 issupported by gussets 134. An upper plate 150 is mounted to the upper endof the support pole 130 and extends horizontally therefrom. The upperplate 150 includes arcuate openings 154 and a central opening 155.

A fan unit 152 is mounted to the upper plate 150. A lower cap 156 ispositioned above the upper plate 150. A motor 158 that drives the fanunit 152 extends above the lower cap 156 and is covered with an uppercap 160. The upper cap 160 is mounted so that a gap 162 is presentbetween the upper and lower caps 156, 160. The fan unit is electricallyconnected with the fan controller 124.

As shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 7 , an antenna-radio unit 200 is mounted tothe support pole 130 via mounting brackets 170. The antenna-radio unit200 comprises both a transmit/receive radio 202 and an antenna 204combined in the same unit (these are sometimes also known as “active”antennas). The illustrated antenna-radio unit 200 is a “5G” unit, whichis a device that meets the requisite high level of performance andprecision to satisfy 5G protocols and performance requirements. Theantenna-radio unit 200 also includes connectors (not visible herein) toprovide an interface for power and signal cables, which can be routed tothe antenna radio unit 200 from the interior of the monopole 100 throughthe central hole 120 in the foundation plate 112 and through the arcuateslot 122 in the bottom plate 114.

Exemplary 5G antenna-radio units 200 include those offered by Nokiaunder the designation IPAA. IPAA is an interleaved Passive/Activeantenna radio that combines a full passive antenna with an active radio.In other words, the antenna 204 of the unit 200 has a lower antenna area204 a and an upper antenna area 204 b. The lower antenna area 204 a ispassive, and is connected with a radio (not shown) mounted elsewhere inthe monopole 100 (for example, the unseen radio may be mounted below themodule 110 and connected via cables that are routed through the centralhole 120 and the arcuate slot 122. The upper antenna area 204 b isserved by the radio 202 that is mounted directly thereto (although inother embodiments the passive and active areas may be reversed). TheIPAA is modular and field upgradeable, and offers 4G/5G a modernizationsolution with both 8T8R and 64T64R multi-input-multi-output (“MIMO”)options. Those skilled in this art will appreciate that otherantenna-radio units may also be employed, including both active andpassive antennas.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5 , a shroud 180 surrounds the module 110between the bottom plate 114 and the lower cap 156. However, andnotably, the shroud 180 does not extend downwardly to cover thefoundation plate 112 or upwardly beyond the lower cap 156. Thus, thegaps 115, 162 remain open to the environment. By shielding/concealingthe internal equipment of the module 110 from view, the shroud 180serves to provide a more appealing aesthetic appearance to the module110. In some embodiments, the shroud 180 has a diameter thatsubstantially matches that of the monopole 100. A typical diameter forthe shroud 180 may be between about 6 and 14 inches.

Because of the presence of the gaps 115, 162, operation of the fan unit152 draws air through the gap 115 and the arcuate slot 122 in the bottomplate 114. The air flows upwardly within the shroud 180, thereby coolingthe antenna-radio unit 200 (which generates heat due to the operation ofthe radio 204). When the cooling air reaches the upper plate 150, theair flows through the holes 154 and the lower cap 156, and is exhaustedthrough the gap 162. Operation of the fan unit 152 is controlled by thefan controller 124, which can both activate/deactivate the fan unit 152and, when activated, control its speed, typically based on thetemperature within the shroud 180.

The module 110 as described can enable easier zoning permits, especiallyon crowded sites, while offering an upgrade path to overlay 5G services.This concealment solution offers a combined Passive/Active antennaplatform for greater capacity, seamless introduction of 5G serviceswhile supporting a wide band of legacy solutions and technologies. Itfeatures an overall structure that can be factory integrated and tested,ready to deploy on site with minimal or reduced need for skilled labor.The solution can enable mobile network operators (MNOs) to deploy 5Gservices at an economical scale, and can allow the swap andmodernization of legacy and aged 4G-only solutions with easier zoning.With the module 110, MNOs can achieve their deployment targets usingexisting (and new sites), fewer sites, and be fast to market. Thesolution is field upgradable allowing the introduction of new activeantenna elements in the future, thereby eliminating costly and timeconsuming antenna swaps.

Referring now to FIGS. 10-14 , another module, designated broadly at300, is shown therein. As can be seen from the figures, the module 300includes three antenna-radio units 400, each of which has a radio 402and an antenna 404 that divided into lower and upper areas 404 a, 404 b.Differences between the module 100 and the module 300 are describedbelow.

A foundation plate 312 is separated from a bottom plate 314 by spacers316 that form a gap 315. The foundation plate 312 includes a centralhole 320 and a series of discontinuous arcuate slots 318 that form acircle around the central hole 320. These slots 318 are employed tomount the module 300 onto the top of a monopole 10. The bottom plate 314has four arcuate slots 322 that provide both entry for air and routingfor cables/cords, and a temperature controller 324 is also mounted onthe bottom plate 314. A support pole 330 is mounted in the center of thebottom plate 314 and is supported by gussets 332. A top plate 350 ismounted to the top of the support pole 330. A fan unit 352 is mountedthereon, along with lower and upper caps 356, 362 similar to thosedescribed above having a gap 364 therebetween.

Each of the three antenna-radio units 400 is mounted to the support pole330 via mounting brackets 370. Cables are routed through the arcuateslots 322 to connect with the antenna-radio units 400 in the mannerdescribed above. The three antenna-radio units 400 are mounted 120degrees from each other, so that the module 300 can provide full 360degree coverage for wireless transmission. A shroud 380 providesconcealment for the antenna-radio units 400. A typical diameter for theshroud 180 may be between about 10 and 20 inches.

Those skilled in this art will appreciate that the module 300 canprovide the advantages discussed above in connection with the module100, but for a three-sector antenna module.

In addition, it should be noted that, although the modules 110, 300 areshown on a monopole 100, they may also be mounted on other structures,such as multi-leg antenna towers, rooftops (either on platforms or smallpoles), building walls, and the like.

Referring now to FIGS. 15A-15E, an alternative antenna module 300′according to embodiments of the present invention is illustrated.Properties and/or features of the antenna module assembly 300′ may bedescribed above in reference to the antenna modules 110, 300 shown inFIGS. 2-14 and duplicate discussion thereof may be omitted herein forthe purposes of discussing FIGS. 15A-15E.

As shown in FIGS. 15A-15E, the antenna module 300′ includes a foundationplate 312′ and a bottom plate 314′ that is separated from the foundationplate 312′ by spacers 316′ to form a gap 315′. The spacers 316′ (and gap315′) are configured to lift the module 300′ slightly above a top end ofthe monopole 100, which will help to allow air to flow into the antennamodule 300′. The foundation plate 312′ includes discontinuous arcuateslots 318′ in the form of a circle (FIG. 15D) for mounting atop themonopole 100. The foundation plate 312′ also includes discontinuousarcuate slots 317′ sized such that cables may be routed from themonopole 100 into the antenna module 300′. Located generally above thefoundation plate 312′, the bottom plate 314′ also has correspondingdiscontinuous arcuate slots 322′ sized such that cables may be routedthrough into the antenna module 300′ (see, e.g., FIG. 15E). For example,in some embodiments, cables may be routed from the monopole 100 throughthe slots 317′ of the foundation plate 312′, then through the arcuateslots 322′ of the bottom plate 314′ to antenna-radio unit(s) 400 withinthe antenna module 300′. As shown in FIGS. 15D-15E, in some embodiments,the bottom plate 314′ may be hexagonal in shape.

In some embodiments, the antenna module 300′ may be sized and configuredto be used on rooftop deployments. For example, in some embodiments, thefoundation plate 312′ may be configured to be mounted on a smallermonopole 100 or rooftop platform. In some embodiments, the antennamodule 300′ may be sized and configured to be mounted on other types ofdeployments such as tower deployments (e.g., telecommunication latticetowers, electricity towers, concrete poles and/or concrete towers,etc.).

As shown in FIG. 15E, the antenna module 300′ further includes a supportpole 330′ or other support member(s). In some embodiments, the supportpole 330′ is tubular (i.e., hollow) such that air may flow up throughthe pole 330′. In some embodiments, the support pole 330′ is mounted tothe upper surface of the bottom plate 314′ and extends upwardlytherefrom (see, e.g., FIG. 15E). The support pole 330′ may be mountedgenerally in the center on the bottom plate 314′, with the discontinuousarcuate slots 322′ positioned circumferentially around the support pole330′. The support pole 330′ is open at both ends which will allow air toflow in through one end (e.g., through an opening in the bottom plate314′) and out the other end (e.g., through fan unit 352′). In someembodiments, the hollow support pole 330′ may comprise a plurality ofholes (not shown) that may allow air to flow from the support pole 330′into the antenna module 300′.

A fan controller 324′ (e.g., a temperature sensor) is mounted to thebottom plate 314′. A fan unit 352′ is mounted to the top of the supportpole 330′. A lower cap 356′ is positioned above the fan unit 352′. Anupper cap 362′ is mounted such that a gap 364′ is present between theupper and lower caps 356′, 362′. The fan unit 352′ is electricallyconnected with the fan controller 324′. Similar to antenna module 300described herein, the fan unit 352′ is configured to draw air up throughthe support pole 330′ and the arcuate slots 317′, 322′ to cool theinterior of the antenna module 300′.

Because of the presence of the gaps 315′, 364′, operation of the fanunit 352′ draws air through the gap 315′ and the bottom plate 314′ intothe support pole 330′. The air flows upwardly through the support pole330′ and into the concealed interior of the antenna module 300′ througharcuate slots 317′, 322′ exiting through holes in the support pole 330′(and the arcuate slots 317′, 322′) into the antenna module 300′, therebycooling the antenna-radio unit(s) 400 (which generates heat due to theoperation of the radio(s) 402). When the cooling air reaches the lowercap 356′, the air is exhausted through the gap 364′. Operation of thefan unit 352′ is controlled by the fan controller 324′, which can bothactivate/deactivate the fan unit 352′ and, when activated, control itsspeed, typically based on the temperature within the antenna module300′.

As shown in FIGS. 15A-15E, one or more antenna-radio units 400, asdescribed herein, are mounted to the support pole 330′ within theantenna module 300′. The antenna-radio units 400 may be mounted to thesupport pole 330′ via one or more mounting brackets 500, described infurther detail below (see, e.g., FIGS. 16A-16B). In some embodiments,the antenna module 300′ comprises two or more antenna-radio units 400.For example, as shown in FIGS. 15A-15E, in some embodiments, the antennamodule 300′ may comprise three antenna-radio units 400. Theantenna-radio units 400 have 120 degrees of separation. As discussedbelow, in some embodiments, the antenna module 300′ may allow for theantenna-radio units 400 to be down-tilted (via mounting bracket 500).

In some embodiments, one or more shroud members (or radomes) 380′surround the antenna module 300′ between the bottom plate 314′ and thelower cap 356′. As shown in FIG. 15E, the antenna module 300′ has threeshroud members 380′ (each shroud member 380′ corresponding to anantenna-radio unit 400). However, and notably, the shroud members 380′do not extend downwardly to cover the foundation plate 312′ or upwardlybeyond the lower cap 356′. Thus, the gaps 315′, 364′ remain open to theenvironment. By shielding/concealing the internal equipment of theantenna module 300′ from view, the shroud members 380′ serve to providea more appealing aesthetic appearance to the antenna module 300′(particularly when the wall of each shroud member 380′ is substantiallyflush with the front surface of the antenna-radio unit 400). In someembodiments, the shroud members 380′ are formed of a polymeric material,for example, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS).

In some embodiments, each shroud member 380′ is configured such that,when placed on the antenna module 300′, the exterior shape of theantenna module 300′ is hexagonal. In some embodiments, each shroudmember 380′ may comprise a removable hatch 381′ that allows access intothe interior of the antenna module 300′ (e.g., to allow a technician toconnect cables to the antenna-radio units 400).

In some embodiments, each shroud member 380′ comprises a cut-out portion382′ (or “window”). Each cut-out portion 382′ is sized and configuredsuch that at least a portion of the antenna-radio unit 400 may extendthrough the respective shroud member 380′. In some embodiments, agrommet or sealant may be used to seal and/or fill any gaps between theedges of the cut-out portion(s) 382′ and the antenna-radio unit(s) 400,thereby preventing any moisture (e.g., rain) from entering the antennamodule 300′. The cut-out portions 382′ in the shroud members 380′ mayhelp to improve the overall RF performance of the antenna-radio units400 by mitigating undesired impact on antenna gains and RF signaldistortion, especially when dealing with a wideband spectrum.

In some embodiments, the cut-out portions 382′ may also allow theintroduction of a down-tilt feature for the antenna-radio units 400. Forexample, in some embodiments, the antenna-radio units 400 may beconfigured to be tilted between about 0 degrees to about 15 degrees,such that the upper portion of the antenna-radio 400 extends radiallyoutwardly through the window 382′. An exemplary mount 500 that may allowfor the down-tilt of the antenna-radio unit 400 is illustrated in FIGS.16A-186B. The mount 500 is configured to secure the antenna-radiounit(s) 400 to the support pole 330′. As shown in FIGS. 16A-16B,opposing sides 502 of the mount 500 may have a tilt adjustment mechanism504. In some embodiments, the tilt adjustment mechanism 6504 maycomprise a series of holes (or notches) 504 a that are configured suchthat the antenna-radio unit(s) 400 may be tilted in 1 degree increments.The sealant or grommet mentioned above may be configured such that theseal with the antenna-radio unit 400 remains even when the antenna-radiounit 400 is tilted.

The modularity of the antenna module 300′ and relative light weightallows for ease of site delivery and installation. For example, theantenna module 300′ may be provided as a flat-packed kit that can behand carried to rooftops through staircases and most elevators, thenassembled on site. Thus, eliminating the need for crane hires,associated traffic management and/or road closure permits (e.g., due toweight and size) to move the module 300 to the desired rooftop sitelocations. The modularity of the antenna module 300 may also provide forstreamlining operation and maintenance by making it easier to replace afaulty module 300′ or upgrade an existing module 300′ on site withminimal costs. Finally, the antenna module 300′ will support mostantenna-radio units 400, thereby allowing greater flexibility forservices providers.

The foregoing is illustrative of the present invention and is not to beconstrued as limiting thereof. Although exemplary embodiments of thisinvention have been described, those skilled in the art will readilyappreciate that many modifications are possible in the exemplaryembodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings andadvantages of this invention. Accordingly, all such modifications areintended to be included within the scope of this invention as defined inthe claims. The invention is defined by the following claims, withequivalents of the claims to be included therein.

That which is claimed is:
 1. An antenna module, comprising: anantenna-radio unit comprising an antenna and a radio transceiver in anintegrated unit; a foundation plate configured for mounting to amonopole; a bottom plate mounted above the foundation plate to form afirst air gap; a support member that is coupled to and extends upwardlyfrom the bottom plate, the antenna-radio unit mounted to the supportmember; an upper plate mounted to an upper end of the support member; afan unit mounted to the upper plate; a lower cap mounted above the upperplate; an upper cap mounted above the lower cap to form a second airgap; and a shroud that surrounds and conceals the antenna-radio unit andthe support member without extending beyond the bottom plate and thelower cap.
 2. The antenna module defined in claim 1, wherein the antennaincludes a first portion operatively connected with the radiotransceiver, and a second portion configured to be connected with asecond radio transceiver mounted outside of the antenna module.
 3. Theantenna module defined in claim 1, further comprising a fan controlleroperatively connected with the fan to control operation of the fan. 4.The antenna module defined in claim 3, wherein the fan controllercontrols the fan based on temperature.
 5. The antenna module defined inclaim 1, wherein the support pole is mounted off-center on the bottomplate.
 6. The antenna module defined in claim 1, wherein the bottomplate includes apertures arranged to permit air inflow.
 7. The antennamodule defined in claim 1, wherein the antenna-radio unit is a firstantenna-radio unit, and further comprising second and thirdantenna-radio units mounted to the support pole.
 8. The antenna moduledefined in claim 7, wherein the support pole is mounted in a center ofthe bottom plate.
 9. The antenna module defined in claim 1, mounted on amonopole.
 10. A monopole assembly, comprising: an elongate monopole, andan antenna module, comprising: an antenna-radio unit comprising anantenna and a first radio transceiver in an integrated unit; afoundation plate including discontinuous arcuate slots configured formounting to the monopole; a bottom plate mounted above the foundationplate to form a first air gap; a support member that is coupled to andextends upwardly from the bottom plate, the antenna-radio unit mountedto the support member; an upper plate mounted to an upper end of thesupport member; a fan unit mounted to the upper plate; a lower capmounted above the upper plate; an upper cap mounted above the lower capto form a second air gap; and a shroud that surrounds and conceals theantenna-radio unit and the support member; and a second radiotransceiver mounted outside of the antenna module and connected to theantenna.
 11. The monopole assembly defined in claim 10, wherein theantenna includes a first portion operatively connected with the firstradio transceiver, and a second portion connected with the second radiotransceiver.
 12. The monopole assembly defined in claim 10, furthercomprising a fan controller operatively connected with the fan tocontrol operation of the fan.
 13. The monopole assembly defined in claim12, wherein the fan controller controls the fan based on temperature.14. The monopole assembly defined in claim 10, wherein the support poleis mounted off-center on the bottom plate.
 15. The monopole assemblydefined in claim 10, wherein the bottom plate includes aperturesarranged to permit air inflow.
 16. The monopole assembly defined inclaim 10, wherein the antenna-radio unit is a first antenna-radio unit,and further comprising second and third antenna-radio units mounted tothe support pole.
 17. The monopole assembly defined in claim 16, whereinthe support pole is mounted in a center of the bottom plate.
 18. Anantenna module, comprising: three antenna-radio units each comprising anantenna and a radio transceiver in an integrated unit; a foundationplate configured for mounting to a monopole; a bottom plate mountedabove the foundation plate to form a first air gap; a support memberthat extends upwardly from the bottom plate, the antenna-radio unitsmounted to the support member; an upper plate mounted to an upper end ofthe support member; a fan unit mounted to the upper plate; a lower capmounted above the upper plate; an upper cap mounted above the lower capto form a second air gap; and a hexagonal shroud that surrounds andconceals the antenna-radio units and the support member, wherein atleast one of the antenna-radio units is configured and mounted to bedown-tilted through a cut-out portion in the hexagonal shroud.
 19. Theantenna module defined in claim 18, wherein the shroud comprises cut-outportions sized and configured such that at least a portion of arespective antenna-radio unit extends through the shroud.
 20. Theantenna module defined in claim 18, wherein at least one of theantenna-radio units is configured to be down-tilted.